The First Time I…Appreciated Govinda
When you are a brown kid in the 90’s, weekends usually consist of grandparents and chai with nastho. But sometimes weekends also meant a family trip to Raja Cinema. A low budget theatre on the sketchy stretch of Kingsway where the snacks are never fresh, the soda is always flat, but the price is just right. Bollywood at this time, for me, largely consisted of Shah Rukh Khan. Watching infamous duos, analyzing complicated love triangles, while internalizing toxic behaviours and unrealistic expectations, followed by paan next door, was the highlight of my week! I can sing every lyric in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Shah Rukh Khan always made a good hero. He quickly rose to stardom as Bollywood’s ultimate heart throb. To be fair, Salman Khan made quite an impression on me in Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! but honestly, the stairway scene in was scarring and by association, likely turned me off Salman Khan movies for a while.
What I failed to appreciate as a kid however is the sheer comedic stylings and stellar dance moves of Govinda. It started with Coolie No. 1 then Hero No. 1, but, be still my heart, it was only for SRK. Govinda appeared once more on my radar when I was 20 and watched Partner in the theatres. Epic. So, looking back these hits, here are the top reasons why I learned to appreciate Govinda.
Bollywood MDB
Unpretentious Charm: There is something about Govinda that is unassuming and humble. Maybe its his unconventional good looks or his wild sense of humour. He is chill. He is someone I would have over for a cup of chai or take out for a Kingfisher.
Ridiculous Songs: In 2021, Govinda stated he penned some of his most famous songs. Whether that is true or not, its clear that these songs are made for Govinda and he is made for these songs. “What is Mobile Number” from Haseena Maan Jaayegi is just one example of this golden nonsense.
Witty or Slapstick Comedy: The majority of the movies Govinda has starred in have been comedies. Some would say he is the “King of Comedy.” The jokes, the delivery, the facial expressions, no one can replicate.
Signature Dance Moves: From “Kisi Disco Me Jaye” or “Makhna” from Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, no ones has the moves like Govinda. These performances capture the essence of Govinda. “Tuje Mirch Lagi To Mai Kya Karu” from Coolie No. 1, is another gem. Grabbing some bhel puri with my beloved followed by a dance in the street is my ideal date.
Offbeat but Impeccable Fashion Sense: If you are looking for a fashion icon, look no further. Take note. Honestly, who dresses this man? The array of sunglasses and hats could suit no one else. The combos. The leather. The prints. The patterns. No one could pull this off like Govinda. If you got it flaunt it.
Though Govinda’s spark is clearly undeniable and he is forever Coolie No 1., SRK will always be No. 1 in my heart.
My BFF’s room in Calgary circa 1998